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Category: Uncategorized

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): Patient Guide

By Walid Saleh, MD

What is an HSG? A hysterosalpingogram is a special X-ray procedure used to look at the inside of your uterus and fallopian tubes. It helps your doctor check for: Blockages in the fallopian tubes Changes in the shape or structure of the uterus Possible causes of infertility or recurrent miscarriage How the Procedure Works Positioning… Read more »

Egg vs. Embryo Freezing: Which Is Right for You?

By Walid Saleh, MD

Fertility preservation has become an empowering choice for women and couples planning for the future. Two of the most common methods are egg freezing and embryo freezing. Though similar in process, they differ in important ways that affect flexibility, success rates, and long-term planning. Egg Freezing Egg freezing involves retrieving and freezing unfertilized eggs for… Read more »

Müllerian Anomalies: How Uterine Abnormalities Affect Fertility and Pregnancy

By Stephen Collins, MD

If you’re struggling to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term, and your doctor has mentioned a “uterine anomaly” or “Müllerian anomaly,” you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not without hope. Müllerian anomalies are congenital conditions that affect the development of a woman’s reproductive tract. They can have a direct impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes…. Read more »

The Effect of Uterine Fibroids on Fertility

By Walid Saleh, MD

The Effect of Uterine Fibroids on Fertility Uterine fibroids—noncancerous growths in the uterus—are very common, affecting about one in three women during their reproductive years. For many, fibroids cause no symptoms and don’t interfere with the ability to get pregnant. But for others, these growths can make it harder to conceive or carry a pregnancy… Read more »

The Medical Risks of Advanced Paternal Age: What Men Should Know

By Stephen Collins, MD

Introduction In discussions about age-related fertility risks, much of the focus tends to be on women. However, emerging research highlights that advanced paternal age—commonly defined as men over 40 or 45—also carries notable medical implications for both fertility and the health of offspring. As more men are delaying fatherhood due to personal or professional reasons,… Read more »

Conceiving After 40: Risks, Realities, and the Role of IVF

By Walid Saleh, MD

Starting or growing a family after 40 is increasingly common, driven by factors like career, finances, or finding a partner later in life. Fortunately, advancements in fertility treatments, especially in vitro fertilization (IVF), offer a safer path to parenthood in that age group. It’s crucial to understand the biological factors and potential challenges involved before… Read more »

Reciprocal IVF: A Beautiful Path to Parenthood for LGBTQ+ Couples

By Walid Saleh, MD

Introduction For many LGBTQ+ couples, starting a family involves navigating medical, legal, and emotional landscapes that differ from those of heterosexual couples. Among the assisted reproductive options available, Reciprocal IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) stands out as a unique and deeply bonding choice. Also known as “partner-assisted reproduction” or “co-maternity,” this method allows both partners to… Read more »

The Accuracy of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) in Diagnosing Chromosomal Abnormalities

By Walid Saleh, MD

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) has transformed the landscape of assisted reproductive technology (ART) by allowing embryologists and fertility specialists to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation. The process, typically performed on day 5 embryos (blastocysts), aims to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the risk of miscarriage. However, an important question remains: how accurate is… Read more »

Egg Quality: A Key Determinant of Reproductive Outcome

By Walid Saleh, MD

Egg quality is a crucial factor in reproduction. It refers to the genetic integrity (DNA), maturation, and overall health of an egg.

Infertility Meds: Understanding the Potential Cancer Risks

By Walid Saleh, MD

Infertility affects millions of people worldwide, and for many, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), offer a long awaited cure. However, for many, concerns about long-term health effects, particularly in relation to cancer, are still an impediment to seeking treatment. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recently renewed its guidelines… Read more »

Update on Texas Reproductive Laws

By Walid Saleh, MD

The US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade and the Texas Human Life Protection Act took effect in 2022. This law defines embryos an “unborn child” starting at fertilization and includes embryonic stages. This law bans all abortions unless the mother has “a life-threatening physical condition like an ectopic pregnancy. To date, the Texas abortion law only applies… Read more »

Fertility Preservation Services for People With Cancer

By Stephen Collins, MD

On June 13, Governor Abbott signed Texas HB1649 into law, a landmark moment for people of reproductive age facing cancer in Texas. Set to take effect in September 2023, the bill requires that insurances provide coverage for fertility preservation services for people with cancer and other conditions where the treatments can reduce fertility. People with… Read more »

National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)

By Stephen Collins, MD

National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) is a time to raise awareness about the challenges of infertility and to provide support to couples who are struggling to conceive. This year’s NIAW is April 23-29, 2023. How do couples facing infertility find encouragement? First, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Infertility affects an… Read more »

What Is a Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI) ? Unlock the Secrets to Fertility Treatments!

By Walid Saleh, MD

Are you looking to get pregnant but feeling overwhelmed by the process? A Reproductive endocrinologist can help. Reproductive Endocrinologists are medical professionals specializing in hormone-linked conditions that affect fertility can be incredibly useful. Discovering the part an endocrinologist plays in fertility treatments, searching for a reliable one, and getting ready for your appointment can be… Read more »

Fertility Nutrition, Uncategorized

How to make the dietary choices to help your fertility

By Stephen Collins, MD

January often feels like the right time to start fresh – making new commitments to a well-lived life. For people seeking to grow their family, many often wonder, “is there anything I can do with my lifestyle to help make that happen?” Thankfully, many dedicated researchers have committed their careers to understand the impact of… Read more »

Genes and a Healthy Baby

By Stephen Collins, MD

The 78th ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo will be held in October 2022, the latest entry in an annual series of lectures focusing on the top advances in reproductive medicine and infertility care. This year’s theme will be “Genes, Gametes, and Genetics” with a special focus on cutting-edge genetics research and the novel advances in… Read more »

One baby at a time

By Stephen Collins, MD

When faced with fertility struggles, some couples think they’d like to have “two at once” by hoping/aiming for a twin pregnancy. This possibility stands out in many people’s minds from celebrities and friends who have had twins after fertility treatments – and it is true that many fertility treatments increase the chance a couple will… Read more »

Egg Donor (ED): What do all these options mean?

By Walid Saleh, MD

For most women with poor ovarian reserve, accepting the diagnosis and using an egg donor is a difficult decision. It takes a few months to decide what type of egg donation is better suited for each couple. Each option has advantages and disadvantages that we have summarized below to guide your during your selection process…. Read more »

“Every Infertility test is normal, now what?”. The treatment of unexplained infertility

By Stephen Collins, MD

Almost every couple who is struggling to conceive wants to know why. Is there something wrong with me? With my partner? Are we not doing something right? Is it something I am eating, not eating, doing, or not doing which is getting in the way? And will we ever get pregnant? Treating unexplained infertility At… Read more »

Texans need non-abortive ways to achieve healthier pregnancy outcomes

By Stephen Collins, MD

Texas Senate Bill 8 stands as a groundbreaking and polarizing piece of legislation, effectively prohibiting nearly all abortions in Texas. While supporters applaud its stringency, opponents decry its lack of exceptions, such as in cases of rape or fetal anomalies — exceptions that are supported by a majority of Americans. Gov. Greg Abbott has quixotically remarked… Read more »

7 Reasons CRE Dallas Is The Right Clinic for You

By Walid Saleh, MD

Why should you choose Dallas? 7 Reasons why our Dallas area fertility clinic is the right choice for you.

Trouble Growing Your Family? It May Be Secondary Infertility

By Walid Saleh, MD

Not sure how to make fertility treatment affordable? The team at SIRM Dallas has some tips in their latest infographic.

4 Ways to Pay For Fertility Treatment

By Walid Saleh, MD

Not sure how to make fertility treatment affordable? The team at Dallas has some tips in their latest infographic.

5 Fertility Resolutions For 2020

By Walid Saleh, MD

Trying to conceive in 2020? The fertility experts at SIRM Dallas Fertility Clinic share some fertility resolution ideas to increase your chances of success.

Tips for Surviving the Holidays When TTC

By Walid Saleh, MD

Struggling to get through the holidays when TTC? Here are some tips on how to make them as pleasant as possible for those with infertiltiy.

Celebrating Halloween: Tips For Those TTC

By Walid Saleh, MD

What is PCOS? Who does it impact and how? In our latest infographic, the team of fertility experts at SIRM Dallas Fertility Clinic give you the facts.

All About PCOS: Facts to Know [Infographic]

By Walid Saleh, MD

What is PCOS? Who does it impact and how? In our latest infographic, the team of fertility experts at Dallas Fertility Clinic give you the facts.

Romance During Fertility Treatment: 5 Ways to Keep the Spark Alive

By Walid Saleh, MD

When you’re going through fertility treatment, it can be hard to keep the romance alive. Here are five tips to help you reignite the spark this month.

Exercising When TTC? Here Are 3 Things You Need to Know

By Walid Saleh, MD

Should you exercise when trying to conceive? The fertility experts at Dallas fertility center go over three things to know.

The Two Week Wait: Tips to Make it Bearable

By Walid Saleh, MD

Struggling to get through the two week wait? Dallas has six tips on how to make the two week wait just a little more bearable.

5 Common Fertility Myths Debunked

By Walid Saleh, MD

There’s a lot of misinformation surrounding infertility. In honor of Infertility Awareness Month, we’re debunking these 5 common myths.

Elective Egg Freezing: 4 Things to Know

By Walid Saleh, MD

Curious about egg freezing? The fertility experts at Dallas fertility clinic are here to share what you need to know.

Traveling During an IVF Cycle: What to Know

By Walid Saleh, MD

Traveling is stressful, especially during an IVF cycle. Here are some tips from the team at Dallas Fertility Center on traveling with fertility meds.

Is Mini-IVF the Right Choice for You?

By Walid Saleh, MD

Do you know where your fertility stands? Getting a fertility screening can help you spot fertility issues early on.

Fertility Awareness: Knowing Where You Stand

By Walid Saleh, MD

Do you know where your fertility stands? Getting a fertility screening can help you spot fertility issues early on.

Family Building Options for Lesbian Women

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh of Dallas in Dallas, Texas goes over a common family building option for lesbian women – the IUI with donor sperm.

Paying for Fertility Treatment: Affordable Options for Patients

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh of Dallas in Dallas, Texas discusses the different options available to patients looking for ways to make fertility treatment more affordable.

The Importance of a Heart Healthy Lifestyle When Infertile

By Walid Saleh, MD

The fertility experts at Dallas explain the link between infertility and heart disease, and why a heart healthy lifestyle is important for those struggling with infertility.

4 Reasons to Seek Fertility Treatment Early

By Walid Saleh, MD

The fertility experts of Dallas in Dallas, Texas discuss why couples struggling with infertility should not delay seeking fertility treatment help.

Patient Stories: Starting a Family After a Cancer Diagnosis

By Walid Saleh, MD

A patient of Dallas in Dallas, Texas, shares her path to parenthood after a cancer diagnosis.

Lifestyle Changes That Will Improve Your Well-Being

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh of Dallas in Dallas, Texas, shares tips on changes you can make now to boost your fertility.

Male Infertility: How to Help If Your Partner is Diagnosed

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh of Dallas in Dallas, Texas, discusses male infertility and how to help your partner cope.

5 Tips for Handling the Holidays when Trying to Conceive

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh of Dallas in Dallas, Texas gives some tips on how to handle the holidays when struggling with infertility.

PCOS & Your Fertility: Everything You Need to Know

By Walid Saleh, MD

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that impacts many women. Learn what it means for your fertility and what treatment options you have available to help grow your family.

Preparing for Your First Fertility Consultation

By Walid Saleh, MD

Your First Fertility Consultation: What to Expect Taking the step toward a fertility consultation can be stressful. At CRE, we understand how difficult this journey can be and are here to support you every step of the way. Here’s how to prepare and what to expect: Complete Your Paperwork in Advance Once you have scheduled… Read more »

The Prescription for Traveling with Fertility Medication

By Walid Saleh, MD

Check in with your nurse before you go. Discuss exactly where you’ll be in your cycle during your vacation and plan how much medication you need to take with you. Refill prescriptions if necessary before you leave. It also makes sense to locate a pharmacy near your destination. Putting your medication schedule in your phone… Read more »

Summer Vacation = Kids All Around: How to Cope If You’re Struggling to Have a Baby

By Walid Saleh, MD

Beach, BBQs, and family reunions. Kids are out of school and adults are taking vacation to soak up the lazy days of summer. It’s a relaxing, playful time of year. However, the joys of summer can serve as painful reminders of what people dealing with infertility don’t yet have. Focusing on yourself and your feelings… Read more »

The Importance of Sleep for Male Fertility

By Walid Saleh, MD

New research suggests that the amount of sleep you get can impact your ability to get your partner pregnant. A recent study conducted at Boston University looked at the general wellness of almost 800 couples, everything from BMI, age, smoking, frequency of intercourse, and other lifestyle factors were considered – including sleep patterns. All of… Read more »

Male Infertility: More Common Than You May Think

By Walid Saleh, MD

Statistics show that up to 50% of infertility problems among couples can be traced to male medical conditions. Nearly one in ten men will face infertility, with problems ranging from issues with sperm production to sperm delivery obstruction. This may come as a surprise since the prevailing notion, for many people, is that female infertility… Read more »

Egg Donation: Giving, Receiving & Everything In Between

By Walid Saleh, MD

Egg donation can be a life-altering experience for both the donor and the recipient. It is an act of generosity that will affect all involved for years to come. More and more women are choosing to donate their eggs, and it’s a path that’s becomingly increasingly popular among those who wish to grow their families…. Read more »

Fresh vs. Frozen Embryo Transfer: Exploring the Differences

By Walid Saleh, MD

There are many decisions to make on your journey to becoming a parent. Which infertility clinic is a good fit? What treatments are you willing to undergo? Is it better to transfer fresh or frozen embryos for IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)? Luckily, your treatment team can help guide you to the choices that are right… Read more »

Alternative Family Building: What is right for you?

By Walid Saleh, MD

Everyone’s journey to becoming a family is unique. Some go the traditional route – fall in love, get married, have a baby – while others take a more circuitous road. Many people who explore alternative family building options do so because infertility has made getting pregnant the old fashioned way virtually impossible. For them, donor… Read more »

National Infertility Awareness Week

By kristenmckay

Have you heard of National Infertility Awareness Week? National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) will be April 23rd – 29th, 2017. Throughout the week you will see Dallas proudly promoting infertility awareness through social media, in the community, and at our Dallas fertility clinic. The goal of NIAW is to bring awareness to a disease that… Read more »

Frequently Asked Questions: Surrogacy

By Walid Saleh, MD

For many women who dream of building a family but cannot carry a pregnancy to term due to a medical condition or previous hysterectomy, surrogacy is a necessary step. It is important to consult a professional from the very beginning and discuss your individual situation. Types of Surrogacy Generally speaking, there are two types of… Read more »

INVOcell: Is INVOcell a reasonable alternative to mini-IVF?

By Walid Saleh, MD

INVOcell is a vaginal device marketed as a low-cost incubator for eggs and sperm after eggs are retrieved following IVF with mild ovarian stimulation using fertility drugs. Ovaries are motivated with 150-225 units of stimulating drugs. Up to 10 oocytes are inserted in the INVOcell capsule which is placed high in the vaginal cavity for… Read more »

Are Progesterone Levels Useful?

By Walid Saleh, MD

The short answer: It depends when they are measured. 1) Early Pregnancy Because serum progesterone is a reflection of progesterone production by the corpus luteum, which is stimulated by a viable pregnancy, it is helpful as a screening tool to rule out an abnormal pregnancy like a miscarriage or tubal pregnancy. These levels are valid… Read more »

IUI with Injectables – A Waste of Time and Money

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh from CRE (previously Dallas) on IUI with Injectables Success Rates Unfortunately, despite the lack of evidence to support it, many couples are prescribed gonadotropin injections and artificial insemination (COH/IUI) as a first line of treatment on the basis that “injections are better than tablets.” In reality, most studies agree that pregnancy rates… Read more »

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) – Not the Holy Grail, But the Best Test We Have

By Walid Saleh, MD

What is AMH? Learn about Anti-Mullerian Hormone testing and what it means in regards to egg quality and quantity in women.

Laparoscopy: Avoid It If You Can!

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh of CRE (previously Dallas) Offers Insights on Laparoscopy Many doctors perform a laparoscopy for infertile women or “want to check that everything is ok prior to IVF”. Unfortunately, while it sounds effective, this is another useless procedure. I advise you to avoid it, no matter what your insurance covers. The reasons are… Read more »

IVF – Is My Beta hCG Level Good Enough?

By Walid Saleh, MD

You have struggled to conceive. Now, finally, after doing IVF, you are pregnant and your beta hCG levels are positive. But are they good enough? What qualifies as a “good” beta number? Is a beta of 20 an indicator of a viable pregnancy? What about 15? The short answer: it depends. While beta hCG levels… Read more »

Does Stress Affect My IVF Outcome?

By Walid Saleh, MD

Your family and friends may have told you countless times to “stop stressing out” and that “it would improve your chances of success” with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if you were less stressed. This may be completely inaccurate and probably makes you even more stressed. While stress may affect your production of stress hormones, the… Read more »

Trouble Conceiving for More Than Six Months?

By Walid Saleh, MD

You have tried unsuccessfully to conceive for more than 6 months. Deciding to see a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist is the first step towards finding a solution. Everyone is unique but your fist consultation typically lasts 45-60 minutes. During that visit, your infertility specialist will review your previous medical history including labs and treatments that you… Read more »

Paternal Age and Reproduction

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh of CRE (previously Dallas) Discusses Paternal Age and Reproduction It is well established that a woman’s reproductive clock slows down with age. Men, on the other hand, feel that they have all the time in the world and can drink, smoke and still conceive at any age with no impact on their… Read more »

Why Did My IVF Cycle Fail? 11 Possible Reasons

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh from CRE (previously Dallas) Discusses Potential Reasons for IVF Cycle Failure There is nothing more frustrating an IVF cycle fail and getting no explanation. Here are some important factors that we always consider when analyzing an unsuccessful IVF cycle at our Dallas fertility clinic: What was the quality of the embryos on… Read more »

Fertility Preservation via Egg Freezing: Banking on the Future

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh of CRE (previously Dallas) on Egg Freezing The proverbial “biological clock” is not just a myth. A woman’s egg reserve does decline with age, especially after the age of 35. LaMarca et al. Human Reproduction Update 2009 In addition to the decrease in AMH, the quality of those eggs or DNA stability… Read more »

Gay and Lesbian Couples in Texas: What are The Fertility Options?

By Walid Saleh, MD

Currently, 33% of lesbians and 20% of gay households have children younger than 18 living in their homes. Most of these children were conceived from a previous heterosexual relationship. A recent survey found that 50% of lesbian women expressed a desire to parent. Many countries do not allow infertility treatments for same sex couples and… Read more »

When Does Artificial Insemination (IUI) Really Help?

By Walid Saleh, MD

Dr. Walid Saleh of CRE (previously Dallas) on Artificial Insemination (IUI) IUI is a fertility treatment that uses a small catheter to insert “washed” sperm directly into the uterus in a process similar to a pap smear. The goal of IUI is to increase the number of good sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and… Read more »

Smoking and Infertility: Know the facts

By Walid Saleh, MD

While the reproductive risks of smoking are well documented, there is little public awareness about them. This small summary will review the reproductive hazards associated with cigarette smoking for both men and women: Female Risks Adverse impact of tar on egg quality and DNA results in delayed conception delay, infertility, increased risk of miscarriages and… Read more »

Gender Selection

By Walid Saleh, MD

Many of us know someone who would desperately like to have a girl. Or a boy. Perhaps a couple has several children of one gender already and would like to have another child — but would only consider doing so if the 50/50 odds could be shifted in favor of the other gender. Or, perhaps… Read more »